Police: Lacey Woman Left Dog to Die

A Forked River woman was charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving a dog to die in her residence, police said.

Megan Otte, 21, was arrested after the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a Pensacola Road address to investigate a suspicious odor, police said.

Officer Paul Sullivan discovered a deceased dog located inside a dog crate at the home. The mixed breed dog, named Ruger, had been dead for approximately one month.

An investigation by Sullivan and Officer Paul Schlossbach of New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals found that Otte, the homeowner, moved from the residence and left Ruger alive in the cage. Sometime after she moved, the dog died, police said.

Otte was charged with animal cruelty and abandonment. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail with bail set at $7,500.

Lacey Township Animal Control Officer Michael San Juan also assisted at the scene.